Students from Ilkley Karate Club had plenty to celebrate at the recent record breaking grading examinations held at the Ben Rhydding Methodist Church in Ilkley.

Twentyone students young and old (15 children and six adults) were graded by Sensei Stan Knighton (8th Dan) who travels from Sheffield to grade the Ilkley students. Sensei Knighton is one of highest ranked karate-ka in the UK, and a pass mark awarded by him is one well respected in the karate world.

Club instructor Mark Outterside (5th dan) feels that his students receive a lessbiased and objective pass mark by getting the top man to assess his students he also feels that he gets the best out of his students.

Adult Claire Harris from Menston was in impressive form on the night. Claire was due to take her purple belt, however her marks were so impressive that she skipped to the next belt which now makes her a senior grade brown belt.

Since starting a year ago Claire has also made excellent progress on the competition circuit by picked up two first place trophies and one second place trophy from just two tournaments.

The Grading Examiner Sensei Knighton who is an 8th degree black belt and has over 40 years experience in the martial arts commented on the outstanding performance of Claire Harris who managed to skip a grade with almost perfect scores.

Trophies were presented to high scorers of the night, awards went to Claire Harris and Philip Tomkinson

Recent new starters Emmie Bryett, Daniel Johnson, Joshua Kerr, Ethan Thompson,Philip Tomkinson, Sam Walley and adults Vera Woodhead, Joanne Wood, Oliver Hooper and Carmela Harrison all passed the grade of 9th kyu red belt with some very impressive marks.

Angus Holroyd-Penny (7), Joe Richardson (6), William Rowe (6) and Joshua Beattie (7) passed to the grade of 8th kyu yellow belt.

Michael Driver who recently re-started after a long absence put in a good performance and passed the grade of 7th kyu orange belt comfortably.

Vikram Singh and adult Patrick Walton made the grade of 6th kyu green belt.

Omah Shah (7) passed the grade of blue belt while Rachel Hamilton (12) and Andrew Holmes passed the of 4th kyu purple belt.

Eight year old Toby Earle passed the grade of 2nd kyu brown belt, while Helen Sugden passed the grade of 1st kyu brown belt. Helen (13) is now on course to take her black belt next year.

The Ilkley Karate Club is one of the top individual karate clubs in Yorkshire and is longest running martial art club in Ilkley. Anyone interested in taking up karate should contact Mark Outterside on 01943 601297.